With This Nest...

She is here...

2011-09-14T16:40:00.000-07:00

I am beyond happy to announce that our daughter is here! It took me a little over two weeks since her arrival to get this post published, which is just a little indicator of how we've been adjusting :) But she is here and she is wonderful - we're completely in love and completely exhausted all at the same time. Everyone is healthy and doing great and I will be back in this space soon with more pictures and details...thank you all so much for your well wishes over the past few weeks!

The Nursery

2011-08-10T08:45:00.000-07:00

As of yesterday it is finally finished, and I am so happy with how it turned out. We got a late start on this little room mainly just because of all we had been through to get to this point. I had a lot of mixed emotions (mainly anxiety) about actually starting to create a space for our girl because I was still so nervous that something might go wrong. So we slowly pieced things together over the last few months and it is now officially my favorite room in the house.

Aside from being really excited to actually use the space, I adore this room because of all the love and little details that went into creating it. My Mom made the crib bumper by hand, the husband built the bookshelves, the bench, the foot stool and he was the mastermind in charge of the stripes (there might have been some swearing involved with that project). I made the mobile, some of the artwork and the pillows. My Dad cut custom mats for the frames and my Mom also made the curtains. The frames that the bunny pictures are hanging in were actually from the photobooth at our wedding, and the little silver picture frame above the dresser was a gift from when I was born, engraved with my birth statistics. The "love" pillow was a housewarming gift from when we first moved in together and even though you can't see it because her name is still a secret (much to my family's dismay) the ends of the bookshelves are monogrammed with baby's initial, in the same font as our wedding stationery. Even the stuffed pig has a special meaning between Brad and I, dating back to our first Valentine's Day together (in 1999...yikes).

I am officially 39 weeks pregnant tomorrow and more excited than ever to meet our girl. The waiting really does start to mess with you a little towards the end but I keep reminding myself to cherish the last few days of having her all to myself. I can't wait to see her face, to get to know her and I absolutely can't wait to be her Mommy...it's been a long time coming. I will be back soon with all the details of her arrival!

And of course, this one is still hanging around. She loves the rug in the nursery because it's soft and there is a window nearby just her height. She planted herself here the entire time I was taking pictures...

Nursery Preview

2011-08-08T17:08:00.000-07:00

There is one more tiny project being installed tomorrow, and then the nursery will be complete. It's not a very big room but it has quickly become my favorite space in the house. I'll be back soon with all the rest of the pictures, but for now I am still here and still very pregnant!

Totes

2011-06-23T16:17:00.000-07:00

So much to share with all of you and discuss, and when I actually have some time to blog getting off the couch and getting my camera seems like such a daunting task! So until I can get it together I'll post some of the things I've bookmarked to share with you over the last few months. Have you seen these adorable totes from Fabric & Handle? I am something of a tote bag junkie (much to the horror of the husband) and would love one of these to add to the collection. The handles snap off so you can wash the bag, which is genius!

P.S. Are you on Pinterest? I am addicted! Let me know your username so I can see what you're all busy pinning...

Hi.

2011-05-17T15:47:00.000-07:00

So, I took a bit of a break from blogging. Life has been busy and exciting in the best possible way and I needed to step back and absorb it all for awhile. We've moved to North Carolina, into a lovely little yellow house on a hill. I work from home full-time now, which is fabulous. There has been a lot of decorating, unpacking, arranging and....nesting. The day after we unloaded the moving van in our new home we found out I was pregnant! I am just a smidge over a week away from the third trimester, and am finally feeling enough like myself to take a step back into this world.

The reason for my hesitation in talking about our little munchkin is complicated. Part of it is that I was insanely sick until about week 20 - it was a life altering, I don't know if I'll be able to get out of bed tomorrow, type of sick. But also, it took us a long time to get this far. I've never been in a place to talk about it publicly but feel I have a responsibility to say so now. We struggled with infertility for almost two years before we got pregnant with our little girl. There were losses, pain, and a lot of heartache. I remember each time I would read a pregnancy announcement on a blog I would feel that familiar ache, so in case there is anyone else in that position reading this post know that you aren't alone. I am not sure I'll ever be ready to share the specifics of our journey but it was time for me to be honest about where we've been, and how we got here.

So, there you have it. I am slowly returning to this space and am extremely excited for all that the future holds! Thank you so much to everyone who emailed to ask if I was alright...I truly appreciate the concern and am happy to be back.

{Image from the talented Hannah Mayo}

Weekend: In Pictures

2010-11-15T07:21:00.000-08:00

It was a fabulous weekend around here - flea markets, thrift stores, several walks with the pooch in the warm fall weather and finalizing the paperwork on our new house! It really ended up being the perfect situation - a newly renovated house that is having trouble being sold due to the awful housing market, so we're going to rent it for a year and take care of it while we decide exactly where we want to live.

I will share some pictures soon, but in the meantime we are pondering the task of outfitting an entire house with furniture. It's kind of amusing how it used to seem like we had so much stuff, and ultimately we have living room and bedroom furniture. The good news is that there is a rocking Pottery Barn outlet nearby, and we're also hitting up some thrift stores so we can re-purpose some gently loved items (this weekend I found the cutest lamp for $2.50 that we're going to paint and make new). I tried to fight it for quite awhile after the condo renovation of '05 (uh, and I guess '06 too) but we are apparently "rehabbers" at heart. As soon as we found out we got the new house there was talk of refinishing furniture, building a giant upholstered ottoman, etc. The good news is that this time we have a climate controlled garage, so there won't ever be a wet saw in my bathtub!

The Guest Room {Again}

2010-11-08T11:41:00.001-08:00

Yes that's right, I am still enthusiastically decorating the guest bedroom in my head. The good news is - it looks like we found a house! It is certainly heading in the direction of working out perfectly, but I will wait to show you all and explain the details until we know for sure. In the meantime, I might be sold on this duvet cover for the twin bed guest room. I love love the yellow and grey palette but I didn't want anything that was bright, sunshine, I might go blind, yellow. These muted tones seem perfect.

Guest Rooms

2010-10-28T09:58:00.000-07:00

Now that we're looking for a house (a whole house!), I am finding myself really preoccupied with thoughts of a guest room. I don't know why it's so fascinating to me...maybe because our condo was so not conducive to having more than three or four people there at a time. The other word that always peaks my interest is "storage." I know the realtors down here think we're nuts when they mention an attic, and Brad and I bound up the stairs shouting, "Storage? Storage! Look at those exposed beams! We won't have to keep your golf clubs in the trunk anymore!"

But anyway, the guest room. I keep coming back to thoughts of twin beds sharing a room, which seems slightly 1962 but also sort of practical. It could expand the room to be shared by two people who wouldn't normally care to share a bed (say, when my Aunt and cousin come to stay). But really I think the appeal lies in the symmetry of it all...oh the symmetry. The idea of matching headboards with a table in between makes me endlessly happy!
Collage One: Better Home & Gardens | Creed | House Beautiful | Veranda
Collage Two: Both from Domino
Collage Three: Apartment Therapy

Blooming

2010-10-20T16:55:00.000-07:00

There are these pretty pink flowers blooming on the trees (bushes?) outside the townhouse. I didn't know there were things that bloomed in October, and I am mildly fascinated by them. No idea what type of flower it is, but I am guessing my Mom will know when she gets here! Aren't they lovely?

Moving Out

2010-10-08T09:52:00.000-07:00

In my experience, when blogs go silent for extended periods of time that usually means something is up. And in our case it meant a pretty major adjustment - we are officially Carolinians! Last month we quite literally packed all our things into a moving fan (basically by ourselves, despite the fact that we hired over-priced movers) and left Chicago behind. We started to toy around with the idea of leaving the city awhile ago but the economy and the housing market had other plans. And as these things go, what took a long time to happen ultimately did happen so quickly that we barely had time to say goodbye!

In the end we sold our condo twice, once packing up all of our belongings only to have the sale fall through days before the closing. I am not sure why interrogators even mess with those tactics they use - as far as I am concerned they should just make people pack up all of their wordly belongings, stare at the boxes for days, and then unpack all the same crap back in its original place. I would have confessed to anything halfway through the unpacking! But we're here (in South Carolina for the moment) staying at my parent's townhouse and looking for a house (a house!!) in North Carolina. Its so exciting and completely surreal but we are loving the warm weather and wide open spaces. So, that's what has been going on around here. I will definitely be back to regular posting now that things have slowed down a bit. And we've been cooking up a storm so there is much to share! In the meantime, here are some of the views around these parts...

And of course, this character is still hanging around. During the 12+ hours it took us to drive down here there was a lot of sighing from her in the backseat (as if it was my idea of a good time to sit in the car for that long and just forced her along for the ride). But she is happily adjusted and almost instantly declared a turf war with the chipmunks. Alvin & Theodore are her worst nightmare.

Sunshine for Monday

2010-08-09T13:26:00.000-07:00

Sunflowers are such an inexpensive pick-me-up...I smiled all weekend whenever I glanced at these on our kitchen table. I realize it's hard to read the quote, but it says" The secret of happiness is to count your blessings while others are adding up their troubles."

Back In Touch

2010-08-01T19:40:00.000-07:00

I think my neglect of this space is always a good gauge for how hectic life has been. I just looked back and realized I've posted three times since May, so that about sums it up! There are no indications that life is going to slow down in the near future so instead I am trying to actively make time to write here.

Part of the recent neglect is because it was brought to my attention that people are reading this blog with ill intentions...people who "know" me in real life and are basically just hunting for things to gossip about. That knowledge gave me pause because this space has always felt like a place to interact with friends. I thought for awhile about making the blog private but in the end, I decided to just say screw it and pick up where I left off. So, friends and frenemies alike, here we go...

We just returned from some time in South Carolina at my parent's lake house, and I practically had to drag myself to the car to leave. Living in a concrete jungle means that my body breathes a sigh of relief as soon as we see those mountains in the first picture, above. All of these photos make the trip look a lot more rustic than it actually was, but we certainly did our fair share of floating in the lake and spending minimal time indoors. Why is it that no vacation feels long enough after a few hours back at home? I could leave again right this minute...

Scenes from the Weekend

2010-07-05T20:10:00.000-07:00

These pictures pretty much sum up my favorite type of weekend - lots of lounging near a pool, family, local produce stands, pedicures and relaxation. I read three books in nearly as many days which is always a good barometer for how much lounging was actually accomplished. Exactly what I needed.

Weekend Walks

2010-05-16T19:59:00.001-07:00

It's been quite awhile since the weather was warm enough and we've had enough of a break in our lives to resume our weekend walks. As you can imagine, Lola is quite the fan (as of this moment, she still hasn't moved off the couch since we got back from the walk this afternoon). There is something really lovely about going for a long walk with a camera, setting out with the intention to take pictures of something beautiful. I think you look at things differently when you're trying to capture something worth sharing. We usually switch between taking pictures and holding the leash, and these are my shots from the day. I am still adjusting a little to being the weird lady with the camera, taking pictures of strangers foliage, but I love the results too much to worry about it!

Tulips

2010-03-30T14:45:00.000-07:00

Because really, few things make me happier than fresh flowers wrapped in kraft paper. I am committed to having fresh flowers in the house on a regular basis, if for no other reason that it makes me smile!

Slow Cooker Chocolate Cake

2010-02-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I need chocolate. I need it in a sound the alarm, get out of my way, is it possible get this in IV form? - kind of way. They say that your body craves what you're lacking, so maybe I have a high threshold for the cacao bean (I actually read somewhere that your body craves what it lacks. But because I come from a long line of exaggerators, in my family if you're going to spout off a fact that you've read you'll be immediately met with "site your source!" to ensure you're not creating random bits of information to support your argument. I can't remember where I read that your body craves what it needs. So, I am going to stick with the very vague but important sounding "they say" argument).

What was I saying? Right...chocolate. This past weekend was one of those times when I needed it. Since there weren't any IVs to be found, I decided to test out a recipe that I've been seeing different versions of for awhile now. To be honest, I always kind of thought that baking in a crockpot was a little uncouth. I am usually of the "its better from scratch" variety, but people, listen to me when I tell you, I would eat this cake any day of the week. It couldn't possibly be easier to make, its super chocolatey and moist, and it smells divine while its cooking!

1 Box of Chocolate Cake Mix
1 Package Chocolate Pudding Mix
1 cup Chocolate Chips (but really any kind of chocolate will work)
8oz Sour cream
1 cup Water
4 eggs
1/2 cup Vegetable oil
Cooking Spray

In a large bowl, mix together all of the ingredients until relatively smooth. Spray the inside of the slow cooker really well. I apparently didn't get one side completely coated and it burnt a bit. Pour all the ingredients into the slow cooker, place the lid on and cook on low 6-8 hours (or high 3-4 hours).

You can certainly eat it plain (and while its still warm is best) but it also goes well with a little whip cream or ice cream, of course. You can loosen the whole cake with a knife and turn it over onto a cake stand, but who has the time? Once you smell that thing cooking for four hours, if you're capable of anything other than scooping it out of the slow cooker and onto a plate, you have my unwavering respect!

2010-02-13T13:53:00.000-08:00

Meet My Planner

2010-02-09T17:37:00.001-08:00

I've embraced the age of technology - I blog, I tweet, I pause live TV. But despite the fact that I walk around with a blackberry in my purse, I still have to have a planner! I usually begin the hunt in November, as I've yet to find one that I've liked enough to purchase two years in a row. But this year I think I might be on to something...the adorable little houndstooth number above is currently in my hot little hands!

The planners are from Pretty Chic SF, and you can get one for yourself in their etsy store. They're perfectly sized (in my opinion) and you have the option to get a matching notebook! One needs a matching notebook for list making, don't you know. I probably should have told you all about this earlier because they have a free shipping offer going on right now, ~~but it only lasts through tomorrow~~ extended through Friday!

Key Largo

2010-02-02T13:05:00.000-08:00

Our short jaunt to Key Largo was exactly that (too short) but also very relaxing. I rang in my thirties by lounging on the beach all day and then toasting with the husband as we watched the sun set. I think that's pretty much all a girl can ask for, no? We took a ton of pictures - I think we're to the point where we've been in the cold so long, the sun and warm weather had our heads spinning, "Oh look, we're wearing sandals! The ocean is so blue! I am not wearing long johns!" Sigh. I won't subject you to all of them, but here are a select few that pretty much sum up our trip...

Aside from a beautiful little beach, the hotel grounds had this great walking path that was scattered with adirondack chairs, hammocks, etc.

Whenever we go somewhere new, Brad scopes out a local diner where he can drag me to have breakfast. That man loves breakfast more than anyone I know. This particular diner was known for its pancake & waffle batter, so the picture below is Brad's answer to that. It was called "The Tower" and resulted in a large group of women pointing and laughing at us (and yes, he ate it all):

"If you like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain..."

Phew!

2010-01-24T18:49:00.000-08:00

I think this past week was the first time I've really sat down and relaxed since Christmas. Brad and I both have birthdays right after the holidays, and for me this bday was a big one. I've officially bid adieu to my twenties...frightening, and at the same time I kind of like it. It's a strange feeling to say I am in my 30's but I kind of feel about my 20's as I do about high school. They were fine while they lasted but I can't say I am willing to go back and do it all over again!

We decided to take advantage of the milestone birthday with a last minute trip to Key Largo. We had never been there before, and I honestly don't think we can give a good review of the town even now, as we essentially just lounged on the beach all day and went to dinner at night. And it was perfect! There are many more pictures to follow, but for now I leave you with the view from my chaise on the beach...sigh...

TasteSpotting

2010-01-11T08:55:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the creativity of the blogging world amazes me so much that I have to sit down and catch my breath. Yesterday I saw a post where someone cut up an old sweater and used it to make a lampshade (a really cute lampshade). I've seen people turn pillowcases into the cutest little dresses you can imagine. And then there are the food blogs - my God the food blogs. In the same way that I am a total sucker for good advertising, beautiful pictures of food actually make me salivate. Food blogs have really intensified my love for cooking and, let's be honest, the sense of accomplishment I feel when my dish looks remotely like the one in the picture is beyond compare (sometimes, there are victory dances).

All of this is to say that, my latest favorite site is TasteSpotting. All of those aforementioned food bloggers submit their delicious goodness to be featured with only a beautiful picture and a blurb describing what you're seeing. I am not kidding you, this is better than TV. My only warning is that this site has powers similar to those of a black hole, wherein you can look around days later and think - holy $#@*, is it Thursday?

Working on My Follow Through

2010-01-08T13:44:00.000-08:00

People who know me in “real life” will tell you that when I get an idea in my head, I can have tunnel vision until it comes to fruition. I am stubborn. And, truth be told, when I really want something I will go to great lengths to get my way (let us all now take a moment and heave a collective sigh of sympathy for my husband).

But lately I’ve been noticing that when it comes to the really big decisions, those that require a somewhat substantial leap of faith, I hesitate. This little voice of self doubt begins to whisper ideas of inadequacy, disguised by the premise that they are actually logical thoughts, and clearly the “right” thing to do. And if I don’t listen right away those little thoughts will escalate into a resounding, “Who the hell do you think you are?”

For several months now I’ve felt like I am standing on the edge of some significant, life altering changes. I am *this* close to fulfilling dreams that have been years in the making. But here’s the thing - making those dreams come to fruition is going to require a leap of faith on my part. I’ve finally realized that I can no longer sit back and wait for things to change. To get the big results I am going to have to take a deep breath make that leap. I might fail (I might fail miserably). I might embarrass myself. I might wind up right back where I started. By saying aloud “this is what I want” I will be vulnerable. Clearly, the underlying current here is that I am afraid of failure.

So I am wondering - do any of you feel like this? Do you hesitate when it comes to those big decisions? Have any of you conquered your fears and taken a leap? I would love to know your thoughts…

{Photo via sfgirlbybay}

Baby, It's Cold Outside

2010-01-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

These are our windows. I am no expert, but I am pretty sure windows aren't supposed to do that. Lucky for us we're being forced to pay out the nose to fix them in the spring (hooray for condo buildings with no reserves)! In the meantime I am thinking of getting myself a space heater to cuddle with.

Break Up

2010-01-06T11:17:00.001-08:00

It pains me a little to admit this, since the whole "I am an actress turned singer" thing really gets under my skin. But nonetheless...Pete Yorn & Scarlet Johansson have teamed up to make a new album and I like it. I like it a lot. Specifically, I am kind of addicted to "Relator" and have been listening to it much more than once a day (on my spankin' new green ipod, courtesy of the husband).

I do this with songs I like - listen to them until I can barely stand to hear it again and everyone who lives in a 100ft radius of me is on the brink of murder. In college there was a pretty serious Third Eye Blind incident that went on for months, eventually prompting my roommate to yell "people hate you!" as I blasted How's it Gonna Be for the 400th time. At least now I have headphones.

Wish.

2010-01-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

Yes, this is a sleeve from a Starbucks latte (a very tasty one, I might add) but its a nice message. After a recent yoga session I recently heard the definition of "namaste" described as - the spirit in me salutes the spirit in you. So, namaste to you...make your spirits bright.